THE COHEN GROUP
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The Cohen Group Newsletter - Volume 8  Issue 2, Article 2.  May, 2006

Summer, Hot Environments and Heat-Related Illnesses
By Joy E. Fleming, MPH

As summer approaches and the temperature rises, the risk of workers suffering from heat stress and heat-related illnesses increases. The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. Employees working outdoors at places such as farms and construction sites are at increased risk for heat-related illness. When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion and more severe heat stroke can occur. Both employers and employees should be aware of the factors relating to heat stress, signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and precautions for preventing heat stress. As we discussed in a previous Current Issues article, Cal/OSHA is considering a Heat-Related Illness standard, the first of its kind. At the time of publishing, it remains unclear what the final version of the standard will take. This article will provide some brief information, in outline format, to better understand the factors of heat stress and precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Some of the statements made below parallel the proposed standard.

Factors of Heat Stress

High temperature and humidity direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

Preventing Heat Stress

· Drink small amounts of water frequently about 1 cup ever 15 minutes
· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton
· Take frequent short breaks in cool shade and rest regularly
· Eat smaller meals before work activity
· Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar
· Work in the shade, block out direct sun or other heat source and use cooling fans
· Find out from your health care provider which medications and heat don’t mix
· Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress
· Know signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses

There are three kinds of major heat-related illness and the signs and symptoms are as follows:

· Attributed to an electrolyte imbalanced caused by sweating
· Appear to be caused by lack of water replenishment and excess salt can build up in the body if the water lost through sweating is not replaced
· Water must be taken ever 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments. Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide for the need for water
· Drinking commercially available replacement liquids (e.g., sport drinks) can minimize physiological disturbances during recovery

· Partly due to exhaustion and is a result of the combination of excessive heat and dehydration
· Signs and symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and moist skin
· Fainting or heat collapse is often associated with heat exhaustion
· Workers should be removed from hot environment and given fluid replacement
· Encourage rest and when possible ice packs should be applied

· Occurs when the body’s system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels
· Signs and symptoms are confusion, irrationally behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsion, lack of sweating,
· Hot, dry skin and an abnormally high body temperature is associated with heat stroke
· Is a medical emergency and may result in death and medical treatment should be obtained immediately
· Workers should be placed in a shady, cool area and outer clothing removed
· Douse the worker with cool water and circulated air to improve evaporative cooling
· Provide the worker fluids such as water as soon as possible

If heat-related illnesses occur, then emergency medical treatment should be obtained immediately. General care for heat emergencies should consist of cooling the body, giving fluids such as water when possible and minimize shock.